Editor's Picks

Whether you rely on a soapy shower and natural pheromones or a blend of citrus notes from your $80 cologne, you want to smell good—but do you really realize just how much your scent can make or break you?

In a study at Oxford University, women were asked to rate photographs of different men, and scientists sneakily showed each photo with either a pleasant scent or a foul odor. No surprise here, the sweet-smelling guys scored highest, meaning that—no matter how cute your face or big your biceps—it’s tough to bounce back from a blast of nasty air. Period.

Granted, there’s no shame in a little post-workout BO or morning breath (our pros say it happens to everyone), but if your under-arm sniff checks and into-the-hand breath whiffs are keeping you self-conscious in close quarters—from first dates to job interviews—read on. There’s a solution for you.